Massage and reducing device



Oct. 6, 1959 s. B. 'RITTER 2,907,323

MASSAGE AND REDUCING DEVICE Filed March 29, 1957 GEORGE B.-RITTER JNVENTOR.

m. 4. W/W w ATTORNEK United States Patent MASSAGE AND REDUCING DEVICE George B. Ritter, Fort Worth, Tex. Application March 29, 1957, Serial No. 649,366

3 Claims. (Cl. 128-33) This invention relates to massage and reducing devises of the type having one or more planetary action body supporting cushions, and has reference to a flexible holder or stabilizer connected between the apparatus frame and the oscillating cushion for preventing the latter from turning about its axis.

An object of this invention is to provide a stabilizer for the described purpose, and which stabilizer is capable of universal action when connected between a stationary part of the apparatus frame and the oscillating cushion which has an undulating action.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stabilizer for the described purpose and which stabilizer is capable of long use before requiring replacement.

A further object is to provide, in a massage and reducing device, a simplified and relatively inexpensive construction, yet one which is economical and eflicient in its operation.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure l is a side elevation of a massage and reducing device embodying the features of the invention and showing two of the present stabilizers in operating position.

Figure 2 is an enlarged plan sectional view taken on line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a further enlarged view, in broken elevation and broken section, showing one of the present stabilizers in detail. r

Figure 4 is a broken elevation and broken sectional view showing an exaggerated bent angle in a cushion supporting shaft where the same extends above the upper end of a tubular shaft housing.

The form of the invention shown includes a generally rectangular horizontal frame 10, such as a metal casting having vertical openings 11 in its corners for receiving the upper ends of frame supporting legs 12. The lower ends of the legs are provided with resilient feet 13 to prevent the device from skidding.

The frame includes a horizontal surface 14, a vertical flange 15 therearound, and longitudinal and transverse webs 16 and 17. One of the longitudinal webs 16 extends along the center of the frame 10 and two of the transverse flanges 17 are perpendicular thereto intermediate the ends of said frame. Near the ends of the center longitudinal web 16 there are flanged circular openings 18 for receiving cushion supporting shafts 19, and the lower ends of which shafts extend through tubular housings 20 secured to the lower surface of the frame 10 by suitable means, such as screws, not shown. The shafts 19 are bent, as at 21, above the frame openings 18 and extend into circular cushion mountings 22 having bearings 23 therein for free rotation of the shaft. A resilient cushion 24 is mounted on top of each cushion mounting 22.

An integral ear 25 extends from the side of each cushion mounting 22 and on the side thereof parallel with one of the transverse webs 17. A stabilizer 26, shown in detail in Figure 3, is connected between each transverse 2,907,323 Patented Oct. 6, 1959 ICC web 17 and its corresponding ear 25. Each stabilizer is comprised of a length of resilient tubing 27, such as heavy rubber, and each length of tubing has a cylindrical plug 28 in each end thereof. The outer surface of each plug 28 has an axially extending integral threaded pin 29, one of which pins extends through an ear 25, and the other pin extends through a transverse web 17. The pins 29 are secured in place by means of nuts 30. A coiled spring 31, under compression and having an outside diameter substantially equal the inside diameter of the tubing 27, extends between the inner ends of the plugs 28 within the flexible tube 27 and which spring is held in place by means of wire clamps 32 around the ends of the flexible tube 27. Grooves 33 around the plugs 28 and opposite the clamps 32 provide gripping means for holding the plugs and spring 31 in place.

A motor 34 is suspended beneath the frame 10 and is connected with a pulley 35 of a reduction gear box 36 by means of a belt 37. The gear box 36 is connected (not shown) to turn one of the shafts 19, and which shaft has a pulley 38 on its lower end for driving another pulley 39 on the lower end of the other shaft 19 by means of a belt 40. Preferably, the last described pulley 39 is smaller than its driving pulley 38 and whereby a faster action is imparted to the cushion 24 above the smaller pulley.

Referring now to Figure 1, brackets 41 are secured to the sides and near the corners of the frame 10 for supporting horizontal tubular rails 42, corresponding ends 43 of which are bent inwardly to support hook shaped fittings 44 on the ends of a U-shaped tubular extension 45. The outer end of the tubular extension 45 is provided with a foot rest 46 which is elevated by means of hinged legs 47 having hinged fittings 48 at their upper ends for pivotal connections with the sides of the U- shaped extension 45.

The ends of the side rails 42 opposite the foot rest 46 are bent upwardly and thence inwardly to provide support for a headrest 49.

In operation, the person using the device rests his shoulders on the cushion 24 adjacent the headrest 49 and his hips on the remaining cushion 24. Thus, with his head on the headrest 49 and his feet on the footrest 46, actuation of the motor 34 imparts a planetary undulating action to the cushions 24. The cushions 24 are secured against rotation by reason of the stabilizers 26,

and which stabilizers follow the wave-like action of the ears 25 on the cushion mountings 22.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary construction herein shown and described, but may be made in various ways within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a massage and reducing device, a horizontal frame, at least one shaft extending upwardly through said frame, said shaft being bent at a location above said frame, a cushion mounted for free rotation on the upper end of said shaft, an elongated flexible stabilizer, one end of which is connected to said cushion and the other end to said frame, and means rotating said shaft.

2. In a massage and reducing device, a horizontal frame, at least one shaft extending upwardly through said frame, said shaft being bent at a location above said frame, a cushion mounted for free rotation on the upper end of said shaft, an elongated stabilizer comprising a length of flexible tubing, fittings on the ends of said stabilizer connecting the same with said cushion and said frame, and means rotating said shaft.

3. In a massage and reducing device, a horizontal frame, at least one shaft extending upwardly through said frame, said shaft being bent at a location above said frame, a cushion mounted for free rotation on the up per endof said shaft, an elongated stabilizer comprising a length of flexible tubing, a coil spring within said tube, the outside diameter of said spring being substantially equal to the inside diameter of said tube, fittings on the ends of said stabilizer connecting the same with said cushion andv said frame, and means rotating said shaft.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

